The Katsina State Government has said bandits killed 13 people during morning prayer on Tuesday in a reprisal at Unguwan Mantau in the Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, made the disclosure in a statement in Katsina.

He said, “The incident occurred when criminal elements launched a reprisal on the community. The Muslim members of the community were praying in the mosque during the Fajr prayer when the criminal elements started shooting sporadically in the mosque.’’

The commissioner stated the attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days ago.

According to Mr Muazu, people of Unguwan Mantau decided to lay an ambush against the bandits and killed many of them.

Following the incident, the security agencies, he said, had been deployed to the area to restore normalcy.

Mr Muazu said, “Air component commanders of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force have already been deployed to clear those bandits. Because, during the rainy season, bandits hide under the crops to perpetrate their evil acts. We are working towards bringing the bandits to book. As government, we salute the gallantry disposition of the people of Unguwar Mantau, and we are committed to fighting the bandits and ensuring safety across our communities. The state government extends heartfelt condolences to the families affected.”

He said that the state government reaffirmed its support for community-based security initiatives while working to eliminate criminals from the region.

(NAN)